We come from the point of view that ACEs is an epidemic, a major public health crisis that most lawmakers, new media and the public would prefer not to hear about.
To wake people up we need major disruptions to business as usual.
First, we need to start seeing email invites to rallies in front of city halls, county offices, and state houses, websites that demand real action, YouTube videos sharing stories around the emotional costs of trauma, new coalitions meeting weekly, and a linking of like-minded activists asking for local government, foundations, and nonprofits to fund and commit to data-driven, comprehensive, systemic, long-term ACEs prevention work.
Second, the work inside agencies need make some dramatic course corrections. Cutting through the bureaucratic dysfunction, activities would align with the mission (for a change). Helping kids is something we can all agree on, but ending ACEs is the way to do that. This would translate into the implementation of evidence-based strategies, within all family-serving government agencies, to produce measurable and meaningful results. Reforms would be guaranteed by in-your-face unrelenting activism at city meetings, town halls and online.
Most importantly, local systems of safety, care and family empowerment (meaning behavioral health care, medical care, safe shelter, early childhood learning programs, mentor programs, transport to service) would kick into gear to protect all our children with a special focus on those who live on the other less-resourced side of town.
If we are collaborative, we will see meaningful progress.
Within a few years, dots representing new ACEs prevention projects would light up a map on your tablet, a proud documentation of the national ACEs Prevention Network working in coordination with a robust mental health care network and revitalized child welfare system.
We have much work to do. I am inspired by the famous quote of anthropologist Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
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